LAHORE:
A Higher Education Commission (HEC) self-evaluation report has raised questions about the research direction and innovation capacity of Punjab’s major universities, as several well-established state institutions failed to secure top rankings despite years of public funding, large faculty networks and extensive academic infrastructure.
The evaluation reviewed 95 universities across the country under the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), which examines institutional performance in governance, industrial collaboration, patents and startup development.
While only seven universities in Punjab managed to achieve the highest “W” category, several key institutions remained limited to lower performance, revealing what education experts describe as a widening gap between academic claims and practical research impact.
Among Punjab’s universities, only The University of Lahore and University of Agriculture Faisalabad managed to enter the top category. The University of Punjab and Lahore College for Women University were placed in the Y category, while the University of Sargodha remained in the X category, reflecting weaker performance in commercialization, innovation planning and industrial engagement.
Punjab hosts some of Pakistan’s oldest and largest universities that have traditionally been considered the backbone of the country’s higher education system.
Analysts argue that despite relatively strong infrastructure and larger student populations, several universities in the province continue to lag behind in areas considered essential in modern higher education.
Education experts believe the results highlight a structural problem in public sector universities, where conventional academic practice continues to dominate while innovation-driven research remains limited. According to analysts, universities are increasingly valued globally, not just through publications and degrees, but through patents, technology transfer, startup incubation, industrial partnerships and measurable financial contribution.
A senior academic associated with a government university in Lahore noted: “Most universities still operate within outdated administrative models. Research offices exist formally, but many lack operational independence, funding and strategic planning. Institutions continue to produce research papers, but practical innovation and commercialization remain weak.”
Another professor linked the weak performance of Punjab’s universities to worsening financial instability across campuses. According to him, repeated budget shortfalls and operational crises have affected research productivity.
“As universities struggle to manage salaries, pensions, utility bills and development costs, research naturally becomes a secondary priority. Laboratories require modernization, innovation requires investment, and international collaboration requires financial stability. Many institutions are currently operating under severe financial pressure,” he said.
The evaluation also revealed an imbalance between research activities and available funds. Participating universities submitted 9,987 research proposals during FY2024-25, showing a significant increase over previous years. However, only a small percentage of proposals were approved due to limited financial resources and increasing competition between institutions.
Education analysts say this funding imbalance is creating frustration among researchers and young faculty members struggling to secure grants for science and technology projects. Several academics believe that the situation discourages long-term innovation and pushes universities towards routine academic output instead of impactful research.
The report also highlighted administrative concerns regarding ORIC structures. According to HEC data, only 68% universities have full-time ORIC managers, while many continue to operate through temporary arrangements. Experts argue that inconsistent leadership weakens institutional continuity and affects research strategy and commercialization planning.
Critics argue that many universities in Punjab remain separate from industry and the private sector. While they continue to organize seminars, conferences and academic activities, their ability to transform research into patents, business solutions and commercially viable products remains limited.
An education researcher said that universities in developed countries contribute to industrial growth and technological advancement, while many Pakistani institutions function primarily as degree awarders.
“The global university model has completely changed. Research is now linked to economic productivity, innovation and entrepreneurship. Unfortunately, many universities here still operate within traditional academic boundaries,” he said.
The placements also have financial consequences. Universities placed in higher categories receive larger research overhead grants, allowing them to strengthen innovation infrastructure and research management systems. Analysts warn that lower-performing institutions may face greater financial and academic challenges.
The report also highlighted improvement in the results of some private universities.
